The legend of Srirangam traces back to the Treta Yuga. According to the Ramayana, Lord Rama gifted a Vishnu idol (Ranganatha) to King Vibishana of Lanka after the defeat of Ravana. On his journey back, Vibishana placed the idol on the banks of the Kaveri River, where it became permanently fixed, marking the birthplace of the temple. The earliest construction of the temple is credited to the Chola king Dharmavarma, followed by substantial expansions by Killivalavan, other early Cholas, Pandyas, Hoysalas, and Vijayanagara rulers between the 2nd century BCE and 17th century CE.​

Srirangam played a crucial role in the Bhakti Movement of the 11th and 12th centuries under saints like Ramanuja, Nathamuni, and Yamunacharya. During invasions by the Delhi Sultanate in the 14th century, the temple suffered plunder and desecration. Devotees safeguarded the deity and reinstalled it in 1371 CE with support from the Vijayanagara rulers. Over centuries, Srirangam evolved into both a religious and administrative hub, operating schools, hospitals, and feeding centers funded by temple endowments.​

The intricate architecture — featuring 81 shrines, 21 gopurams (gateway towers), 39 pavilions, and sacred tanks — exemplifies Dravidian architectural grandeur. The Raja Gopuram, standing 236 feet tall, is the second tallest temple tower in Asia.